18 Years Worth the Wait

March 23rd , 2011 I took my spot front row , just to right from center stage. The wait of almost 18 years  of was about to end , as I was going to experience an evening with Steven Curtis Chapman. So as I lights went dim , out came as MC , Steven Curtis Chapman. A quick introduction and hello to his Canadian fans , he framed the evening the audience was about have .He had a very natural and warm way , as if you just invited a friend into your house . Then he introduced his sons band Caleb and so started the evening . Caleb performed 4 songs and with Calab Chapman on guitar and Will Chapman on drums . They were tight and Caleb has  a excellent voice and song writing skills. The last song Steven came out and joined his sons band to finish off a excellent song called We Will Wait. Short and tight set .

Then the night stated off with Steven playing Dive . His boys doing double duty on drums and guitar with another friend and member of Caleb on bass,guitar and drums at times. Steven was energetic,in fine vocal form and gave us fans a taste of his whole career . From More To This Life,Speechless,I Will Be Here etc... all reworked a bit. The new arrangements breathed new life into these favorites . 

During the first half Geoff Moore , a long time friend,artist and co-writer of many of Stevens songs joined him for many songs . The banter between the two was funny and very natural. Geoff Moore then did a brief set list and featured 2 new tunes. Man can he sing. The pipes he has are strong . Then after Steven came back out did a song again , it was a time for a brief break.

Then the second half kicked off with many old favorites . He blended both high energy and slower numbers . In between songs he shared stories of his family , his journey of faith and shared many laughs. The show ended with a few popular worship songs and a old hymn refrain , It Is Well , then amped up with Live Out Loud. Then taking a bow , left the stage.

The audience continued to cheer even as the house lights and music came on . Finally he came back out and with only him and his boys played a encore on the cuff . Then taking a final bow , the evening ended at 10:30.

Personal Thoughts : This was indeed a evening with SCC. It felt like he was coming into your house and playing for his friends. It was all I hoped it would be and it was great to have my sons, brother and his wife to share the evening.  His sincerity and honesty was real . He shared the story of the tragedy in his family not to get sympathy but to share with others who are suffering as well. He called all to trust in the goodness of God, to lean on Jesus , to embrace the gospel even amid pain and trouble. We prayed as an audience twice , and what impressed me , he was very aware, that yes we were all there to see him , but more importantly , God should be glorified and Steven pointed to the one who is the Lord of the Dance and to the One who should be our Magnificent Obsession.It was a very worshipful time that was fun ,poignant and joyful . Thanks Steven for a great night that truly blessed me , as I hope we blessed you, as we thanked you for your songs that have ministered to our hearts.Now lets saddle up our horses , we have a trail to blaze!

This Concert Gets my 10 guitar picks out of 10 . Awesome.